AT LEAST three Iraqi protesters were killed and 25 wounded today as security forces fired into crowds of demonstrators in central Baghdad.

Officials said one of the protesters was shot dead and the other two “died because of tear gas,” without specifying whether this was through inhalation or from being hit by a tear-gas grenade.

Fighting took place on Rasheed Street near Ahrar Bridge, one of the bridges across the Tigris that has seen fierce clashes between demonstrators and police.